Chapter 10

And more, and more. In fact, she knew deep down that she would happily go all the way with him. What was left of her innocence was growing thin in her own mind, what would pushing a little further do? But the tender kissing stopped when George pulled away. Anne rubbed George’s cheek and gazed into his eyes.

‘I am drunk, yes. But not drunk enough to think that this could be a good idea. I am married and you are a maiden, yet to be wed.’ George slurred out.

Anne laughed at his words. Not out of unpleasantness, but amusement. She couldn't believe how much he had tried to resist her these past few minutes. She believed that any other man would have already had his way with her. She felt respected, seen, worshipped even.

‘Oh sweet George. You have much to learn about me. Though I see you know enough already. It is pleasant to see that you are the opposite of your son. That I do admire. But it makes you all the more appealing.’ Anne responded. She ran her fingers through his smooth wavy hair, which was turning grey at the ends. He closed his eyes for a second and enjoyed her touch.

‘That is the other matter. As much as I am dying to explore the hidden depths beneath your clothes, I am obliged not to. For my son has been there before me. It would be improper and even against the Gods.’ George muttered with his head hanging low.

Anne swiftly removed her hands from his body and took a step back. Her romantic gaze soon turned into a look of doubt.

‘You believe that your son had my maidenhead?’ Anne asked, her voice cracking as she spoke. She was determined to hold back most of her feelings from him. George sighed and paced up the room.

‘I have heard the gory details of it many times. He brags about it to the other villagers. His rich friends come to the house and he retells the story to them but he is always sure that I am in the room first. He said that he made you squeal and you begged him not to stop.’ George replied awkwardly.

Anne lost control of her body. The sudden weakness became too heavy to bear. She let her body drop back down to her seat. It was then that she realised why people sniggered when she walked to the market. Or why people stood whispering and went quiet when she approached them. It was all becoming clear to her now.

‘He has been saying this to everyone? So my name is already tarnished! How dare he? That is not how it went! I know you have every right to think that it did because your maid walked in on us but I swear, I am still intact ready for my husband!’ Anne pleaded. He saw the pain on her face and knew that nobody could lie like that, not even to protect themselves. He nodded to show he believed her.

‘And yet, here you are. Willing to give your innocence to a married man. I am sorry. That kiss should never have happened. I have never been unfaithful! Yes, Lydia and I are not in love but she does not deserve this in her dying days! I must go. This never happened.’ George said.

He gently pushed past Anne and jolted out of the door. Anne sighed with tears in her eyes. She had no choice but to try and process everything at once. Who would marry her now knowing what Sheldon had told them?

‘Where on Earth have they got to? Have you seen them Aunt Bertha?’ Wilma asked curiously.

Sheldon and Bertha swapped a look of dread and curiosity. Sheldon buried his head in his glass and continued to drink.

‘I am sure she took him into the drawing room for a private word. Perhaps she felt embarrassed for you? You are her little sister after all. Excuse us for just one second.’

Bertha said to Wilma. She smiled and whisked Sheldon off to the corner of the room where they couldn’t be heard.

‘What is going on between my niece and your father Sheldon! I paid you to keep them apart!’ Bertha whispered aggressively.

‘Oh relax will you? If she did not give her innocence up for me, she will not for my father. We are in the clear. It is just a matter of time until she is shamed and forced to leave Oxford. Then the threat to your finances is gone.’ Sheldon said, taking another gulp of alcohol from his tall glass.

‘I would be careful if I were you, Sheldon. Remember who you are dealing with here. Just remember, anyone who crosses me can easily find themselves at the end of my sword. Ally or not. I will protect my interests at all costs! She is not getting a penny of her father’s money or the house! I forbid it! So destroy her once and for all!’ Bertha replied. Her cheeks burned red as her anger built up.

‘You worry too much. Wilma was gullible enough to accept my advances. She will give into me soon, I can feel it. Once she is ruined, we will work out a way to get rid of Anne for good. But remember, I want at least 30% of everything once that happens.’ Sheldon said smiling.

‘Yes, you will get what you are owed! Though I have no idea why you need more money when you have the richest family in Oxford. I do not wish to know what you want so much money for, just get it done soon or I will find someone more worthy!’ Bertha yelled. Sheldon smirked and walked away from her.

Sheldon walked up to his bright eyed fiancee with a wide smile. She always looked overly pleased to see him.

‘Come with me my darling, I have a surprise engagement gift for you.’ Sheldon announced. Wilma almost dived on him with excitement.

He took her hand and began to guide her up the silver spiral staircase. He took her into one of of his guest bedrooms. She noticed a large pink silk dress laid out on the bed.

‘Oh my darling! It is beautiful! Thank you!’ Wilma said. She dived into Sheldon’s arms whilst clutching the dress tightly.

‘I knew you would like it. You can try it on later. But right now, I would like us to practise for our wedding night.’ Sheldon smirked and locked the bedroom door, or so Wilma thought.

‘Practise? How so my love? Should we not do that when both families are present, so they can hear our vows?’ Wilma asked. Her gullibility gave her no credit.

‘No darling. Not that side of things. Get undressed and lay down on the bed.’ Sheldon asked politely.

‘Is that not rather improper? My father always told me to never undress until my wedding night. It is said to be against the law to see one another naked until we are wed.’ Wilma pleaded. But his will to pursue did not weaken.

‘You worry too much! Think of it as good practice. We want an heir to our fortunes, do we not? This is to save us the embarrassment of things going wrong on our wedding night. Trust me, you will enjoy it. A lot.’ Sheldon unzipped his trousers.

Wilma glared over in shock and almost froze. Her hands began to shake with nerves but she did as he said. He was soon to be her husband after all. She would have to get used to doing as he said. She laid on the bed, naked and not prepared for what had to come next. He observed her naked body, he felt somewhat unimpressed at what he had to work with. But the deed had to be done.

He removed his shirt, loosened his trousers and took off his belt. Wilma bit her lip when she felt herself becoming aroused over his majestic physique. She felt as though she was the luckiest young girl alive to be marrying such a handsome specimen of a man. She decided that she would lay back and let him do whatever he wanted to her. For it was what she and any other girl of her age had always dreamt of. Although she didn’t fully understand what would happen next. She just wanted to touch and kiss him, that was all. Her innocence was yet to be broken.

She watched him touch his member across the room. She felt curious, aroused and fascinated all at the same time. But also terrified. She had no idea what he was doing or why. She was shocked to watch it rise and get bigger. He then began to walk up to her.

‘Open your legs. As wide as you can. It might sting at first but it will feel amazing afterwards.’ Sheldon said. He hated speaking of such things but Bertha had asked him to go easy on her, to ease her in and explain things. It was clear that Wilma was the favoured one over Anne.

Wilma reluctantly parted her legs, she let him climb on top of her. She then felt a great force entering her with pressure. She flinched but endured it. She heard Sheldon screech with pleasure the minute he entered her. Something about it felt wrong to her. The timing, the person, what was it? He began to thrust sharply inside her, with no consideration for the pain she may have been in. She continued to flinch and yelp in pain.

‘Sheldon? Sheldon I— Can we erm talk?’ Wilma muttered in his ear with nothing but fear and confusion in her voice.

‘It will feel better next time Wilma. Just endure it.’ Sheldon responded with bated breath.

Sheldon continued to go faster until he felt a release inside her. At that moment, the bedroom door burst open. Anne and Bertha stood staring at the naked couple in a compromising and sweaty position. Wilma screeched and pulled the sheet over her in embarrassment.